Co-creating Knowledge
Our research and analysis work has allowed us to better understand who we are as citizens and where we want to go. Collective learning is a form of action: researching, documenting, and analyzing based on data helps us strengthen our causes and imagine new ways to defend rights and freedoms.
Explore the milestones in this section by clicking on each year to learn how documentation, research, and ideas have become tools for change.
1995
Foundational research
“Citizens: Strengthening Global Civil Society”
The publication of our first report allowed us to share our vision of the state of civil society at the close of the third wave of global democratization. This document was central to shaping CIVICUS’ founding moment and its future direction.
1997
First CIVICUS Civil Society Atlas
The precursor to the Civil Society Index (CSI), this was our first systematic attempt to collect data on civil society behavior in 60 countries. That same year, we also published manuals on resource mobilization, legal frameworks, and a communication guide for social organizations.
1998
Launch of the Civil Society Index (CSI) Project
We began a systematic assessment of the health and nature of civil society. The goals of the CSI are to expand knowledge, empower stakeholders through dialogue, and provide tools to develop shared vision and agendas.
1999
Introduction of the CSI Diamond Tool
Presented at the CIVICUS World Assembly in Manila, this early methodology design of the CSI focused on available structures for civic movement, civic space, social values, and measuring impact.
2000
CSI Pilot Implementation
In October, we began the pilot phase of the Civil Society Index in 13 countries, guided by local ownership and participation.
2008-2010
Second Phase of the CSI
Through this participatory research project, we assessed the state of civil society in over 40 countries, collecting survey results in 25 diverse contexts.
The CSI becomes a precursor to the State of Civil Society Report, generating country-level data and comparative insights that would later inform global reports.
2011
Launch of the State of Civil Society Report
- The first State of Civil Society Report was published, marking CIVICUS’s transition from the project-based data in the Civil Society Index to annual global analysis.
- The report synthesizes global events, civil society trends, and civic space data, becoming a flagship product for CIVICUS’s thought leadership.
Legitimacy, Transparency and Accountability (LTA) Program
CIVICUS was a pioneer in promoting civil society accountability. This program was designed based on findings that revealed gaps in legitimacy, transparency, and accountability practices identified in earlier CSI phases.
2014
civicus monitor
Created in response to the growing demand for timely, comparative data on civic space, this tool helps multilateral institutions, funders, and grassroots movements to understand trends and mobilize solidarity-based responses. It was designed to be simple, political, real-time, and ever-evolving.
Know more: Home - Civicus Monitor
2015
Linking SOCS with Civic Space Monitoring
- In a submission to the UN Human Rights Council, CIVICUS highlights the State of Civil Society Report 2015 as a key resource documenting the closing of civic space.
- Around this time, CIVICUS began developing the Civic Space Monitor, enabling real-time tracking of civic freedoms in all countries.
2022
Transition to CIVICUS Lens
- CIVICUS Lens was introduced as a storytelling and analysis platform.
- The State of Civil Society Report (SOCS) now connects with CIVICUS Lens to amplify on-the-ground voices, feature interviews, and contextualize trends through lived experiences.
Did you experience any of these historic CIVICUS milestones?
Share your story here:
Co-creating knowledge is only one part of our story. Keep exploring the other tracks and see how learning turns into action.
